§ 35. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase resources to enable local authorities to undertake in a more effective manner, their statutory responsibilities towards mentally ill and mentally handicapped people living in the community.
§ Mr. HayhoeLocal authorities decide their spending priorities in the light of their local circumstances. Authorities are expected to give priority to fulfilling their statutory obligations, including those towards mentally ill and mentally handicapped people. In 1983–84, estimated gross expenditure on personal social services for mentally ill and mentally handicapped people respectively was £36 million and £219 million — increase over 1978–79 expenditure of 42 per cent. and 46 per cent. in real terms.